My eternal shopping dilemma — I love quality, but I’m not willing and/or able to pay full retail prices. I am all about the look and the labels for less. I love rummaging through a good outlet store. Even moreso, I love looking online for bargains so I know exactly how steep of a discount… read all

The countdown is officially ON and Christmas is around the corner. Now’s the time to get your shop all the way on and I’m here to help! This is the first of my holiday gift guides, featuring the items I’ve been reviewing (and coveting) all year! First up, gifts for your kitchen. This year my… read all

I’ve been in deep denial. I’ve been lying to myself. Some days, Chicago plays along — giving me balmy afternoons in the 50’s. But on a day like this Monday, I can’t deny it any more. Winter is coming. It’s cold November raining sideways right now as I write this. Soon that rain will be… read all

It began in 2014, as a list of 101 Independent Black Owned Businesses to support for Blackout Friday. In 2015, the list grew to 350 Independent Black Owned Businesses. And this year, I’m happy to announce that the Black Owned Business Directory has grown into its own page that will remain an ever-growing work in… read all

Take a moment and look at the hair products that clutter your bathroom cupboards or counters. Where do they come from? Who made the ingredients that go into them? Are those ingredients being made or harvested in a healthy and sustainable way? How do you know? Of all of the hair products and body products… read all

Sponsored giveaway by Mr. Bubble Bubble baths are among my top favorite things in life. I don’t get to bask in their luxury often enough, but when I do it’s a ritual. I even have a Spotify playlist dedicated to Sunday bubblebaths. I get the water to the right temperature, add my bubbles and salts… read all

If you’ve been following me on Instagram (if you’re not, check a bella out), you already know I’ve been a traveling fool this year. Road trips, domestic trips, international travel — I’ve been doing it all, back to back for a few months. Right now I’m typing this on a plane ride back from LA… read all

I’m gonna be honest, y’all. 2016 has been a lot. Life lessons on top of learning experiences. Trials and tribulations, peaks and valleys. This year I planned to celebrate my 10th anniversary in August. I had all sorts of plans, design partnerships and events, I was invited on a special trip that month — so… read all

This post is sponsored by Refinery29 The 4th quarter of the year is a time for reflection and projection. We look back on what we’ve experienced and anticipate future possibilities to come. It’s no different in the beauty space – this is the season for recognizing the developments we have enjoyed and admired the most…. read all

This post is sponsored by COVERGIRL For some of us, every day is a Big Beauty Moment. For others – like myself – the days for full-out glam are irregular occasions. I’m at a juncture of life where I need to let my skin breathe. Most of my days at home are spent makeup-free (but… read all